Washington VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Washington, Virginia.
1. Old Town Alexandria
HISTORIC CHARM AND SHOPPING
Old Town Alexandria features charming redbrick sidewalks and 18th and 19th-century townhomes that give it a quaint, throwback feel with history buff appeal. It's also a haven for shoppers and diners, with numerous indie shops and restaurants along King Street and streets close to the Potomac River. Top tourist draws include the Torpedo Factory Art Center and Christ Church, a circa-1773 house of worship that counted Robert E. Lee and George Washington among its parishioners.
2. Torpedo Factory Art Center
WAR PLANT TURNED CREATIVE
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a World War II munitions plant that has been transformed into a vibrant arts center with studios and galleries. Visitors can explore the creative spaces and watch artists at work in various mediums. The center offers a unique blend of history and contemporary art along the Alexandria waterfront.
3. Wolf Trap National Park
OUTDOOR PERFORMING ARTS
Wolf Trap is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts, hosting folk, rock, and symphonic acts in a wood-covered auditorium with a sloping lawn. During summer months, locals and visitors bring their own picnics to enjoy performances in this scenic outdoor concert arena. The venue combines natural beauty with cultural experiences just outside Vienna.
4. Arlington National Cemetery
HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
Arlington National Cemetery is an impressive military cemetery located on the Potomac River with easy access by metro. Visitors can pay respects at significant sites including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy's Gravesite. The Welcome Center provides information on graves, monuments, and other important locations throughout the cemetery.
5. Shenandoah Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Shenandoah Caverns features snaking, soaring underground caves that have amazed visitors for nearly a century. The caverns are maintained at a comfortable 56 degrees year-round, making them an ideal attraction in any season. Guided tours showcase spectacular limestone formations and underground rooms adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
6. Jiffy Lube Live
PREMIER OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE
Jiffy Lube Live offers 25,000 pavilion and lawn seats for nostalgic and current popular music acts. The outdoor amphitheater attracts major touring artists and allows concertgoers to enjoy performances under the stars. Many visitors take advantage of the lawn seating to bring picnics and create a festival-like atmosphere during summer shows.
7. Tysons Corner Center
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Tysons Corner Center is one of the premier shopping destinations in Northern Virginia, offering luxury and mainstream retail options for fashionistas. The expansive mall features hundreds of stores, dining options, and entertainment venues under one roof. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy seasonal events, pop-up experiences, and a modern atmosphere with convenient metro access.
8. Virginia Wineries
COUNTRYSIDE WINE TASTING
Virginia's picturesque wineries offer visitors a chance to escape the city and immerse themselves in the region's growing wine culture. Spirited Tours provides guided wine tour experiences led by certified wine experts who showcase the craftsmanship at multiple vineyards. Private tours include personalized pick-up and drop-off in DC or Northern Virginia, making for a convenient and educational tasting adventure.
9. Christ Church
HISTORIC COLONIAL WORSHIP
Christ Church is a circa-1773 house of worship that counted Robert E. Lee and George Washington among its parishioners. The colonial-era church represents an important piece of early American religious history with its preserved architecture and furnishings. Visitors can explore both the historic building and its surrounding gardens while learning about its significant role in Alexandria's past.
10. National Building Museum
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER AND EXHIBITS
The National Building Museum, located at 401 F Street NW, focuses on architecture, design, and engineering through its various exhibitions. Open Friday to Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the museum offers rotating exhibits in a stunning historic building. The Great Hall's massive columns and open space make it worth a visit even apart from the educational content.
11. Ford's Theater
LINCOLN'S TRAGIC LEGACY
Ford's Theater, located at 511 10th Street NW, is the site of President Abraham Lincoln's 1865 assassination and remains a working theater today. Visitors can take informative tours that include both the historic theater and the onsite museum with artifacts related to the assassination. The theater continues to honor Lincoln's legacy while offering performances in the space where American history was forever changed.
12. National Museum of African American History and Culture
CELEBRATING BLACK HERITAGE
The National Museum of African American History and Culture at 1400 Constitution Avenue NW has been a popular destination since opening in 2016. It is devoted exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture through powerful exhibits and artifacts. Visitors should obtain timed entry passes in advance to explore this comprehensive Smithsonian institution.
13. National Archives
AMERICA'S FOUNDING DOCUMENTS
The National Archives houses some of the most famous documents in American history at its Pennsylvania Avenue location. Visitors can view original versions of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in the building's rotunda. Beyond these founding documents, the Archives contain countless historical records that tell the story of the American experience.
14. Lincoln Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL TRIBUTE
The Lincoln Memorial stands as one of Washington's most recognizable landmarks, featuring a massive seated sculpture of the 16th president. The neoclassical monument overlooks the Reflecting Pool and offers visitors a chance to read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address inscribed on the walls. Many significant historical events have taken place at this memorial, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
15. National Museum of American History
AMERICA'S CULTURAL TREASURES
The National Museum of American History at 1300 Constitution Avenue NW preserves and displays artifacts representing the nation's cultural, political, and technological development. Visitors can view iconic items ranging from the Star-Spangled Banner to Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. The museum's diverse collections tell the multifaceted story of American identity and innovation through engaging exhibits and installations.